Scientific
Name: Gramma loreto
Family:
Grammidae
Common Names: Royal Gramma, Fairy Basslet
Description:
Royal Grammas are a very colorful and distinctive fish in which the front half of
its body is a deep purple and the back half a bright yellow. The purple
coloration may appear blue under some lighting conditions as shown to the
right. A black line
streaks through the eye. The Bi-color Pseudochromis has a similar color
pattern, but it is a lighter, more pastel color and does not have the black
streak through the eye or the black spot on the dorsal fin. The male tends
to be larger than the female.
Natural Environment:
Comes from the Caribbean region of the Atlantic Ocean.
Care:
Reef Suitability: Excellent reef inhabitant. Very
good beginner fish.
Disposition: Royal Grammas
tend to stake out a cave in the rockwork which they use as home
base. They come out into the open to feed, but tend to dart back into the
rockwork when startled. Royal grammas tend to not bother or be bothered by
other fish, but will vigorously guard their favorite hiding places. They will open their mouths very wide in a threatening gesture
to ward off intruders. May be kept in groups given enough room so that
they are not crowed. Royal Grammas will breed in the reef tank
Feeding: Eats most standard meaty and flake foods.
Hardiness: Very hardy. Very disease
resistant.
Temperature: Does well within normal reef tank temperature ranges of
75-84°F.
Size: Royal Grammas reach about 3" maximum and
tend to stay in one area of the tank which
makes them good candidates for small reefs tanks.
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